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JR Smith Chooses Between 2020 Lakers & 2016 Cavs

JR Smith got to win his second NBA title, as he was a member of the Los Angeles Lakers during their time in the bubble. While he got limited playing time, Smith was a veteran presence in the locker room who certainly helped provide guidance to some of the young guys when the going got tough. Much like his first title, Smith won this latest ring with the help of LeBron James, who he was teammates with in 2016 when the Cleveland Cavaliers went all the way.

While appearing on the “All Things Covered” Podcast with CBS Sports, Smith was asked to speak on his title run and whether or not this year’s Lakers team was better than that Cavs team from 2016. In the end, Smith ultimately came to the conclusion that this year’s Lakers were better.

JR Smith

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“I think the size that the Lakers have, we just didn’t have in Cleveland,” Smith said. “In Cleveland, we were more grittier, we played a little harder, we were much nastier defensively. But the size with this Lakers team with [Anthony Davis] and Dwight [Howard], and being able to change the lineups with Markieff [Morris], we just weren’t that versatile [in Cleveland]. We could play multiple different ways in L.A., but in Cleveland, we only had to play one way … I think the Lakers team was just too big.”

It’s hard to disagree with Smith on this one, especially when you consider how this Lakers team had a much easier time winning the championship. LeBron’s chemistry with Anthony Davis was second-to-none and it was clear this team loved playing together.

[Via]

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Artist Spotlight

Henry Desira returns with renewed purpose on latest release “hopeful forever”

Henry Desira’s “Forever Hopeful” is a meaningful return to songwriting, a deeply personal release rooted in reflection, perseverance, and emotional honesty. Rather than sugar-coating life’s difficulties with simple optimism, the song embraces uncertainty and emphasizes the subtle resilience that enables us to carry on. It’s more than a return; it’s a creative renaissance after a difficult time away from music due to mental health issues.

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“Forever Hopeful” is a heartfelt song. The song is about the fact that there is still hope even when things seem too big. Henry Desira doesn’t make life seem easy, but rather embraces the complexities of life and reminds the listener that difficult moments don’t negate the possibility of brighter days ahead. That balanced view gives the track a comforting authenticity, making its message of uplift feel earned rather than idealized.

Forever Hopeful is a creative return that packs a bigger emotional punch than its title suggests. It speaks to the courage it takes to start over, to find inspiration again, to transmute personal adversity into something of value. The song becomes a personal milestone and a hopeful reminder that healing is seldom immediate, but progress is possible. Henry Desira’s latest release hits deep for being vulnerable and resilient at the same time, an honest offering of hope that sticks around long after the music stops.

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Artist Spotlight

One Yen unveils where alternative rock meets the search for something more with “Vesica Piscis (Open)”

One Yen‘s latest release, “Vesica Piscis (Open)” is an emotionally charged and provocative album of alternative rock that is as compelling as it is powerful. With driving rhythms, layered guitars, atmospheric textures, and soaring melodic vocals, the song captures the spirit of late ‘90s alt-rock while embracing the big sound of modern alt-rock.

Named after the ancient symbol created by the intersection of two circles, Vesica Piscis immediately positions itself as more than a typical rock anthem. It explores awakening, self-discovery, duality, and man’s eternal quest for meaning outside the material world. Instead of giving easy answers, the lyrics begin an ongoing dialogue about identity, consciousness, and transcendence.

Musically, the song keeps up a compelling sense of momentum throughout. The song is built around a powerful foundation of energetic instrumentation, with atmospheric layers providing enough space for reflection. That mix of power and nuance ensures that the ride is never so enthralling that it loses its emotional heft.

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